Guin. Oh, Launcelot, my heart breaks. (They embrace, the Queen faints.) (Launcelot to the maids.) Take her back from this, protect her, keep her safe.
This work is not for her sweet presence. Now heaven help
The man that meeteth Launcelot’s blade this night!
(Voices without.) Coward! Traitor! wilt thou open up?
Laun. Yea, Traitors who foreswore the name of knight,
When like some drunken rabble ye polluted
The gentle sacredness of these apartments.
And every man who shamed her ears tonight
(Throws open the doors) shall die! die! die! Come on Devils! (They rush in and then fall back in surprise.)
Laun. Ha! ha! here’s wine that Launcelot’s blade would drink. Die, Devils! (Rushes forward hacking fiercely with his sword, twelve knights fall one after the other.)